Disposable absorbent article having a garment-like appearance

ABSTRACT

A disposable absorbent article defines a first side portion, a second side portion, and a longitudinal centerline between the side portions. The absorbent article comprises an outer cover and an absorbent insert which is connected to the outer cover. The outer cover comprises a first side panel which is located in the first side portion of the absorbent article and a second side panel which is located in the second side portion of the absorbent article. An edge of the first side panel is connected to an edge of the second side panel to provide a seam which extends along the longitudinal centerline between the side portions of the absorbent article. The opposite waist regions on each side panel are configured to encircle the legs of the wearer and releasably engage together about the hips of the wearer. The disposable absorbent article has an aesthetically pleasing garment-like appearance and is readily refastenable about the hips of the wearer.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/918,411entitled DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A GARMENT-LIKE APPEARANCEand filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Aug. 26, 1997 nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,010,586, which is a divisional of application Ser. No.08/886,335 entitled “DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING A GARMENT-LIKEAPPEARANCE” and filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jul. 1,1997 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,853,405, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/561,733 entitled “DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLEHAVING A GARMENT-LIKE APPEARANCE” and filed in the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office on Nov. 22, 1995, now abandoned. The entirety ofapplication Ser. No. 08/918,411 is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles which areadapted to contain body exudates. More particularly, the presentinvention relates disposable absorbent articles which have agarment-like appearance.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional disposable absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers,have typically included a bodyside liner an outer cover, and anabsorbent core disposed between the outer cover and the bodyside liner.Typically, the outer covers of such conventional absorbent articles havebeen constructed from a generally rectangular sheet of material whichhas had portions of its side margins removed. Thus, the end margins ofthe sheet of material provide the waist opening region of the absorbentarticle while the partially removed side margins provide the leg openingregions of the absorbent article. The outer covers of such absorbentarticles have also been constructed with various types of elasticizedportions at the waist and leg opening regions. Such elasticized portionshave been used to reduce the leakage of body exudates from the absorbentarticle. The elasticized portions of the outer cover have also been usedto improve the appearance and fit of the absorbent article about thewearer. For example, conventional disposable absorbent articles havegenerally utilized outer covers which have elastic strands positioned atthe leg and waist opening regions to gather the outer cover andabsorbent article to hold it against the body of the wearer.

However, conventional disposable absorbent articles which include outercovers as described above have exhibited several shortcomings. Forexample, it has been difficult to conform conventional absorbentarticles and, in particular, the absorbent cores of such articles to thebody of the wearer. Typically, the absorbent core on such conventionalabsorbent articles has been bonded to or immobilized between the outercover and the bodyside liner. Consequently, it has been difficult tocontrol the shape of the absorbent article to maintain an aestheticallypleasing appearance during use. In an attempt to better gather theabsorbent core and the absorbent article, the waist and leg openingregions of conventional absorbent articles have included elastics whichapply high contracting or gathering forces on the absorbent article.However, such high forces have undesirably resulted in irritation andred marking of the skin of the wearer. The high forces have alsoresulted in an undesirable level of bunching of the absorbent articleespecially in the crotch region.

To obtain a better fit and appearance about different sized wearers, italso has been required to provide conventional disposable absorbentarticles in many different sizes. For example, it has been required toprovide conventional disposable diapers in as many as 3-8 differentsizes to accommodate different sized infants. As a result, the costs ofmanufacturing and marketing such articles has been undesirably high.

Despite the attempts to develop more aesthetically pleasing and improveddisposable absorbent articles, there remains the need for disposableabsorbent articles which contain body exudates while providing anoptimum fit about the wearer and maintaining a pleasing appearance.Moreover, there is a need for a disposable absorbent article which has agarment-like appearance and which can be easily secured about andremoved from the waist of a wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, a newdisposable absorbent article which has a garment-like appearance hasbeen discovered. In one aspect, the present invention concerns an outercover which is adapted for use in a disposable absorbent article. Theouter cover comprises two individual side panels. An edge of one sidepanel is connected to an edge of the opposite side panel to provide aseam which extends along a longitudinal centerline of the outer cover.Each of said side panels defines a pair of opposed waist regions whichare releasably engageable together to define a leg opening in the outercover. In a particular aspect, the seam extends substantiallycontinuously along the entire length of the outer cover. The outer covermay also include a pair of concealment cuffs which are located along theside regions of the outer cover.

In another aspect, the present invention concerns a disposable absorbentarticle which defines a first side portion, a second side portion, and alongitudinal centerline between the side portions. The absorbent articlecomprises an outer cover and an absorbent insert which is connected tothe outer cover. The outer cover defines a length, a pair of laterallyopposed side regions, a pair of longitudinally opposed waist regions,and a crotch region which extends between and connects the waistregions. The outer cover comprises a first side panel which is locatedin the first side portion of the absorbent article and a second sidepanel which is located in the second side portion of the absorbentarticle. An edge of the first side panel is connected to an edge of thesecond side panel to provide a seam which extends along the longitudinalcenterline between the side portions of the absorbent article. Theopposite waist regions on each side panel are releasably engageabletogether to define a pair of leg openings in the outer cover.

In still another aspect, the present invention concerns a disposableabsorbent article which defines a first side portion, a second sideportion, and a longitudinal centerline between the side portions. Theabsorbent article comprises an outer cover which includes two individualside panels which are connected together to provide a seam which extendsalong the longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. Theabsorbent article further comprises an absorbent insert which isconnected to the outer cover. The absorbent insert defines a pair oflongitudinally opposed end margins and a pair of laterally opposed sidemargins and includes a bodyside liner, a backsheet which is connected tothe bodyside liner in a superposed relation, and an absorbent core whichis located between the bodyside liner and the backsheet. In a particularaspect, the end margins of the absorbent insert are connected to theouter cover and the absorbent insert remains unconnected from the outercover between the end margins. The absorbent core may include at leasttwo independent, longitudinally extending absorbent strips. Theabsorbent article may also include a pair of longitudinally extendingcontainment flaps which are located on the side margins of the absorbentinsert.

In yet another aspect, the present invention concerns a method of makinga disposable absorbent article which defines a first side portion, asecond side portion, and a longitudinal centerline between said sideportions. The method comprises: (a) cutting a continuously moving web ofmaterial into a first side panel and a second side panel; (b) bonding anedge of the first side panel to an edge of the second side panel along aseam to provide an outer cover for the disposable absorbent articlewherein said seam extends along the longitudinal centerline of theabsorbent article; and (c) attaching an absorbent insert which includesa pair of longitudinally opposed end margins and a pair of laterallyopposed side margins to the outer cover.

The present invention advantageously provides a disposable absorbentarticle which has a garment-like appearance and refastenable side seamswhich allow the article to be easily secured about and removed from thewaist of the wearer. The disposable absorbent article of the differentaspects of the present invention also achieves a good fit whilemaintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance when compared toconventional absorbent articles which gather and bunch in the crotchregion. Moreover, the disposable absorbent article of the presentinvention may also provide improved containment of body exudates withinthe absorbent area of the article by allowing the absorbent core toremain unattached from the outer cover in at least the crotch region ofthe article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood and furtheradvantages will become apparent when reference is made to the followingdetailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawingswherein like numerals represent like elements. The drawings are merelyrepresentative and are not intended to limit the scope of the appendedclaims.

FIG. 1 representatively shows a side elevational view of an example of adisposable absorbent article according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 representatively shows a front elevational view of the disposableabsorbent article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 representatively shows a perspective view of the outer cover ofthe disposable absorbent article of FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the absorbentinsert has been removed and the elastic members have contracted andgathered the edges of the outer cover;

FIG. 4 representatively shows a perspective view of the disposableabsorbent article of FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the elastic members havecontracted and gathered the edges of the disposable absorbent article;

FIG. 5 representatively shows a plan view of the disposable absorbentarticle of FIGS. 1-4 in a stretched and laid flat condition with thesurface of the article which contacts the wearer facing the viewer;

FIG. 6 representatively shows a plan view of one side panel of the outercover of the disposable absorbent article of FIGS. 1-5 in a stretchedand laid flat condition;

FIG. 7 representatively shows a plan view of an example of an absorbentinsert of the disposable absorbent article according to the presentinvention in a stretched and laid flat condition;

FIG. 8 representatively shows a section view of the absorbent insert ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 representatively shows a side elevational view of another exampleof a disposable absorbent article according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 representatively shows a front elevational view of thedisposable absorbent article of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 representatively shows a perspective view of the outer cover ofthe disposable absorbent article of FIGS. 9 and 10 wherein the absorbentinsert has been removed and the elastic members have contracted andgathered the edges of the outer cover, and

FIG. 12 representatively shows a perspective view of the disposableabsorbent article of FIGS. 9 and 10 wherein the elastic members havecontracted and gathered the edges of the disposable absorbent article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns disposable absorbent articles which havea garment-like appearance. The disposable absorbent articles are adaptedto be worn adjacent to the body of a wearer to absorb and containvarious exudates discharged from the body. As used herein, the term“disposable” refers to articles which are intended to be discarded aftera limited use and which are not intended to be laundered or otherwiserestored for reuse. The disposable absorbent articles of the presentinvention will be described in terms of a disposable diaper articlewhich is adapted to be worn by infants about the lower torso. It isunderstood that the disposable absorbent articles of the presentinvention are equally adaptable for use as other types of absorbentarticles such as adult incontinent products, training pants, femininehygiene products, other personal care or health care garments, and thelike.

FIGS. 1-5 and 9-12 representatively illustrate alternative examples ofdisposable absorbent articles, as generally indicated at 20, accordingto the present invention wherein like numerals represent like elements.As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the absorbent article 20defines a first side portion 22 and a second side portion 24. As usedherein, reference to a side portion refers to that part of the absorbentarticle which is generally located on the sides or hips of a wearer whenin use. The absorbent article 20 also defines a longitudinal centerline26 which extends along a longitudinal length of the absorbent article20. The disposable absorbent article 20 includes an outer cover 30 andan absorbent insert 80 which is connected to the outer cover 30. Theabsorbent insert 80 is configured to contain and/or absorb any bodyexudates discharged from the wearer. Whereas, the outer cover 30 isconfigured to maintain the absorbent article about the waist of thewearer, conceal the absorbent insert from view, and provide thegarment-like appearance.

The absorbent article 20 may also include a pair of concealment cuffs 60which are connected to the outer cover and configured to hide theabsorbent insert 80 from view. The absorbent article 20 may also includea pair of containment flaps 110 which are connected to the absorbentinsert 80 and configured to hold and contain any body exudates withinthe absorbent insert 80 to avoid soiling the outer cover 30 of theabsorbent article 20 and any other outer garments worn by the wearer.The illustrated absorbent article 20 further includes a fastening meanswhich is intended to maintain the absorbent article 20 about the waistof the wearer when in use. It should be recognized that individualcomponents of the absorbent article 20 may be optional depending uponthe intended use of the absorbent article 20.

As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the outer cover 30 ofthe absorbent article 20 defines a longitudinally extending length 32, apair of laterally opposed side regions 34 and 36, a pair oflongitudinally opposed waist regions 38 and 40, and a crotch region 42which extends between and connects the waist regions. The edges of theside regions 34 and 26 of the outer cover 30 define leg openings 54 and56 (FIG. 2) for the outer cover 30 which may be curvilinear. The waistregions 38 and 40 of the outer cover 30 define a waist opening 58 andcomprise the upper portions of the absorbent article 20 when worn. Thewaist regions 38 and 40 are configured to wholly or partially cover orencircle the waist of the wearer when worn. The crotch region 42 of theouter cover 30 comprises the portion of the outer cover 30 which, whenworn, is positioned between the legs of the wearer and covers the lowertorso of the wearer.

The representatively illustrated outer cover 30 comprises a first sidepanel 44 which is located in the first side portion 32 of the absorbentarticle 20 and a second side panel 48 which is located in the secondside portion 34 of the absorbent article 20. An edge of the first sidepanel 44 is suitably connected to an edge of the second side panel 46 toprovide a seam 48. The edges of the side panels 44 and 46 may becontinuously connected together along the seam or, optionally, may beintermittently connected together along the seam 48. The seam 48 extendsalong the longitudinal centerline 26 of the absorbent article 20 betweenthe side portions 22 and 24 of the absorbent article 20. The length ofthe seam 48 may or may not extend along the entire length 32 of theouter cover 30. Desirably, the seam 48 extends substantiallycontinuously along the entire length 32 of the outer cover 30 to providea more garment-like appearance to the absorbent article 20. In such aconfiguration, each side panel 44 and 46 defines a length which issubstantially equal to the length 32 of the outer cover 30.

The side panels 44 and 46 of the outer cover 30 may have anyconfiguration which provides the desired garment-like appearance to theabsorbent article 20. Desirably, the side panels 44 and 46 aresubstantially identical for ease of manufacturing. FIG. 6representatively illustrates an example of a pattern which can be usedto provide the side panels 44 and 46. The pattern representativelyillustrated defines one side panel 44. The portions of the pattern whichcorresponds to the seam 48, the waist regions 38 and 40, and the crotchregion 42 of the outer cover 30 when assembled are also illustrated. Theillustrated side panel 44 also defines the length 52 of the crotchregion 42 of the outer cover 30. The crotch length 52 will varydepending upon the size of the wearer. Desirably, the crotch length 52is at least about 15 percent and more desirably at least about 20percent of the length 32 of the outer cover 30 to provide a moregarment-like appearance with less bunching in the crotch region whencompared to conventional absorbent articles. When the disposableabsorbent articles is intended to be worn by an infant weighing fromabout 30 to about 35 pounds, the crotch length 52 is generally fromabout 5 to about 15 centimeters, desirably at least about 8 centimeters,and more desirably at least about 10 centimeters.

The seam 48 between the side portions 22 and 24 of the absorbent article20 is typically constructed by positioning the edges of the side panels44 and 46 in an overlapping arrangement and suitably connecting themtogether. The amount of overlap of the edges of the side panels 44 and46 can be varied to provide any desired width 50 (FIG. 6) of the seam48. For example, the seam 48 may define a width 50 of from about 0.3centimeters to about 1.9 centimeters. Desirably, the seam 48 defines awidth 50 of at least about 0.64 centimeters and more desirably at leastabout 1.3 centimeters to provide a more garment-like appearance to thedisposable absorbent article 20 and an increased strength to the outercover 30 along the seam 48. The edges of the side panels 44 and 46 maybe connected together to provide the seam 48 in any of several wayswhich are well known to those skilled in the art For example, the edgesof the side panels 44 and 46 may be ultrasonically bonded, thermallybonded or adhesively bonded together to provide the seam 48.

Applicants have discovered that disposable absorbent articles which areconstructed to have a seam which extends along a longitudinal centerlineof the article, as described in the present invention, provide a moreoptimum fit about the wearer and a more garment-like appearance whencompared to conventional absorbent articles. In particular, theincorporation of a seam along the longitudinal centerline of the articleprovides an improved fit and appearance of the crotch region and waistregions which are not constricted by the crotch region.

The outer cover 30 of the absorbent article 20 may suitably be composedof a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impermeable.Since the absorbent insert 80 of the different aspects of the presentinvention is designed to contain the body exudates discharged from thewearer, it is generally not necessary that the outer cover 30 be liquidimpermeable. For example, the outer cover 30 may include various wovenor nonwoven materials such as spunbond material, meltblown material,cotton material, rayon material or combinations thereof such as aspunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) laminate material. The outer cover 30may also be an elasticized material such as a stretch-thermal laminate(STL), neck-bonded laminate (NBL), or stretch-bonded laminate (SBL)material. Methods of making such materials are well known to thoseskilled in the art and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,663,220 issued May5, 1987 to Wisneski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,226,992 issued Jul. 13, 1993to Mormon, and European Patent Application No. EP 0 217 032 published onApr. 8, 1987 in the names of Taylor et al., the disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

The outer cover 30 may also be at least partially liquid impermeable tofurther prevent any leakage of body exudates. For example, a typicalouter cover 30 can be manufactured from a thin plastic film or otherflexible liquid-impermeable material. In a particular aspect, the outercover 30 may be formed from a polyethylene film having a thickness offrom about 0.012 millimeter (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 millimeter (2.0mils). If it is desired to present the outer cover 30 with a moreclothlike feeling, the outer cover 30 may comprise a polyethylene filmhaving a nonwoven web laminated to the outer surface thereof, such as aspunbond web of polyolefin fibers. For example, a polyethylene filmhaving a thickness of about 0.015 millimeter (0.6 mil) may havethermally laminated thereto a spunbond web of polyolefin fibers, whichfibers have a thickness of about 1.5 to 2.5 denier per filament, whichnonwoven web has a basis weight of about 24 grams per square meter (0.7ounce per square yard). The outer cover 30 may also be a stretch-thermallaminate (STL) material which includes a meltblown film layer positionedbetween two spunbond layers and which has a basis weight of about 73grams per square meter. The meltblown film layer may be composed ofmeltblown polypropylene fibers and the spunbond layers may be composedof polypropylene fibers. The outer cover 30 may also include bicomponentfibers such as polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fibers. Methods offorming such clothlike cuter covers are known to those skilled in theart Further, the outer cover 30 may be formed of a woven or nonwovenfibrous web layer which has been totally or partially constructed ortreated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selectedregions. Still further, the cuter cover 30 may optionally be composed ofa microporous “breathable” material which permits vapors to escape fromthe absorbent article 20 while still preventing liquid exudates frompassing through the outer cover 30.

As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the outer cover 30 of thedisposable absorbent article 20 may include a pair of concealment cuffs60 which are configured to hide the absorbent insert 80 and provide anadditional barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. The concealmentcuffs 60 are located along the laterally opposed side regions 34 and 38of the outer cover 30. Each concealment cuff 60 defines a fixed edge 62and a free edge 64. Each of the concealment cuffs 60 may also include atleast one elongated elastic member 66 which is attached to the free edge64 of the concealment cuff 60 and configured to gather the concealmentcuff 60 when it is relaxed. The concealment cuffs 60 may extendlongitudinally along the entire length 32 of the cuter cover 30 or mayonly extend partially along the length of the outer cover 30. When theconcealment cuffs 60 are shorter in length than the outer cover 30, theconcealment cuffs 60 can be selectively positioned anywhere along theside regions 34 and 36 of the outer cover 30. In a particular aspect ofthe invention, the concealment cuffs 60 are positioned along the sideregions 34 and 36 primarily in the crotch region 42 of the outer cover30.

The concealment cuffs 60 can be made from any material which providesthe desired concealment of the absorbent insert 80 and, optionally, anadditional barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. For example,the concealment cuffs 60 may be constructed of a material which issimilar to the material comprising the outer cover 30. Otherconventional materials, such as polymer films, may also be employed. Ina particular aspect, the concealment cuffs 60 may be constructed of aSTL material composed of a meltblown polypropylene layer between twospunbond layers and having a basis weight of about 73 grams per squaremeter.

Each concealment cuff 60 is attached to the side regions 34 and 36 ofthe outer cover 30 such that the concealment cuffs 60 effectively hideor conceal the absorbent insert 80 from view as is representativelyillustrated in FIG. 1. The fixed edge 62 of each of the concealmentcuffs 60 is attached to the side regions 34 and 36 of the outer cover 30while the free edge 64 of each of the concealment cuffs 60 remainsunattached from the outer cover 30 in at least the crotch region 42 ofthe outer cover 30. The fixed edge 62 of the concealment cuffs 60 may beattached to the outer cover 30 in any of several ways which are wellknown to those skilled in the art. For example, the fixed edge 62 of thecuffs 60 may be ultrasonically bonded, thermally bonded or adhesivelybonded to the side regions 34 and 36 of the outer cover 30. The freeedge 64 of each of the concealment cuffs 60 is generally alignedparallel to the longitudinal centerline 26 of the absorbent article 20.In a particular aspect, the free edge 64 of each concealment cuff 60remains unattached from the side regions 34 and 36 of the outer cover 30along substantially the entire length of the free edge 64 to provideimproved performance.

Each concealment cuff 60 is also configured such that the free edge 64of the concealment cuff 60 tends to position itself in a spaced relationaway from the outer cover 30 toward a generally upright andperpendicular configuration, especially in the crotch region 42 when inuse. As representatively illustrated in FIG. 1, the free edge 64 of eachconcealment cuff 60 is desirably spaced away from the outer cover 30when in use thereby hiding or concealing the absorbent insert 80 fromview. Desirably, the free edge 64 of each concealment cuff 60 maintainsa contacting relationship with the body of the wearer while the outercover 30 may be spaced away from the body of the wearer when in use.Typically, an elastic member 66 is attached to the free edge 64 of eachconcealment cuff 60 to maintain the spaced away relationship between thefree edge 64 and the outer cover 30. For example, the elastic member 66may be attached to the free edge 64 in an elastically contractiblecondition such that the contraction of the elastic member 66 gathers orcontracts and shortens the free edge 64 of the concealment cuff 60 toachieve the desired spaced away relationship.

Materials suitable for use as the elastic member 66 of the concealmentcuffs 60 are known to those skilled in the art. Exemplary of suchmaterials are sheets, strands or ribbons of a polymeric, elastomericmaterial which are adhered to the cuffs 60 in a stretched condition, orwhich are attached to the cuffs 60 while the cuffs are pleated, suchthat elastic constrictive forces are imparted to the cuffs. The elasticmember 66 may also include such materials as polyurethane, synthetic andnatural rubber. In a particular aspect of the invention, the elasticmembers 66 may be composed of a plurality of individual strands of 620decitex Lycra® which are commercially available from E.I. DuPont deNemours Co., a business having offices in Wilmington, Del. Theconcealment cuffs 60 may include from 1 to about 10 elastic strandsalong the free edge 64.

The elastic members 66 may be elongated prior to being attached to thefree edge 84 of the concealment cuffs 60. For example, the elasticmembers 66 may be elongated at least about 75 percent and desirably fromabout 100 to about 150 percent before being attached such that theelastic members 66 gather the free edge 64 of the concealment cuffs 60.Since the main purpose of the concealment cuffs 60 is to hide theabsorbent insert 80 from view, it is not required that the free edge 64form a tight seal about the body of the wearer. Accordingly, it isdesirable that the elastic members 66 be elongated no more than about150 percent and more desirably no more than about 125 percent beforebeing attached to the concealment cuffs 60. Moreover, it is desirablethat the elastic member 66 exerts a tension of no more than about 150grams and desirably no more than about 90 grams on the free edge 64 ofthe concealment cuff 60 when the free edge 64 of the concealment cuff 60is in a longitudinally extended position. Such low levels of elongationand tension effectively maintain the free edge 64 in a spaced awayrelation from the outer cover 30 while not undesirably imitating thelegs of the wearer. The elastic members 66 may be joined to theconcealment cuffs 60 by any means known to those skilled in the art. Forexample, adhesive, thermal or ultrasonic bonding techniques may be usedto join the elastic members 66 to the concealment cuffs 60. A suitableadhesive includes Findley H-2096 hot melt adhesive which is commerciallyavailable from Findley Adhesives, Inc., a business having officeslocated in Wauwatosa, Wis.

The concealment cuffs 60 hide the absorbent insert 80 and help preventleakage of bodily exudates. In addition, the elasticity andconformability of the concealment cuffs 60 ensures that the absorbentinsert 80 will remain between the cuffs 60, the outer cover 30 and thebody of the wearer. As a result, it is not required that the outer cover30 itself hold the absorbent insert 80 against the body of the wearer.Thus, the outer cover 30 of the present invention can be spaced awayfrom the body and have a more garment-like appearance.

As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the absorbent insert80 of the absorbent article 20 of the present invention defines a pairof longitudinally disposed end margins 82, a pair of laterally opposedside margins 84, and a crotch section 86 located between the end margins82. The crotch section 86 of the absorbent insert 80 is configured tofit between the legs of the wearer and at least partially cover thelower torso of the wearer when in use. As a result, the crotch section86 is generally the portion of the absorbent insert 80 which isconfigured to initially receive the body exudates from the wearer whenin use. The absorbent insert 80 further defines a length 88 and a width90.

The absorbent insert 80 is generally conformable and capable ofabsorbing and retaining body exudates. The absorbent insert 80 may haveany of a number of shapes and sizes. For example, as representativelyillustrated in FIGS. 4 and 12, the absorbent insert 80 may berectangular, I-shaped or T-shaped. The size and absorbent capacity ofthe absorbent insert 80 should be compatible with the size of theintended wearer and the fluid loading imparted by the intended use ofthe absorbent article 20. Typically, it is desirable that the absorbentinsert 80 have an absorbent capacity of at least about 300 grams ofurine. It is generally preferred that the absorbent insert 80 benarrower in the crotch section 86 than in the end margins 82. It hasbeen found that the absorbent insert 80 of the present invention isparticularly useful when the width dimension 90 of the crotch section 86of the absorbent insert 80 is from about 2.5 to about 10.2 centimeters(1.0 to about 4.0 inches), desirably no more than about 7.6 centimeters(3.0 inches) and more desirably no more than about 5.1 centimeters (2.0inches). The narrow crotch width dimension 90 of the crotch section 86of the absorbent insert 80 allows the absorbent insert 80 to better fitbetween the legs of the wearer.

The absorbent insert 80 of the present invention is suitably connectedto the outer cover 30 to provide the disposable absorbent article 20.The absorbent insert 80 may be connected to the outer cover 30 along theentire length 88 of the absorbent insert 80 or only along a portion ofthe length 88. Desirably, only the end margins 82 of the absorbentinsert 80 are connected to the outer cover 30 while the remainder of theabsorbent insert 80 remains unconnected from the outer cover 30. Forexample, the absorbent insert 80 may be connected to the outer cover 30along a length of no more than about 5.1 centimeters and desirably nomore than about 1.3 centimeters at each of the end margins 82 of theabsorbent insert 80. Desirably, the absorbent insert 80 is connected tothe outer cover 30 over a total length which is less than about 15percent and more desirably less than about 10 percent of the length 88of the absorbent insert 80. In such a configuration, the absorbentinsert 80 more readily conforms to the body and movements of the wearerin use without adversely affecting the garment-like appearance of theouter cover 30. In a particular aspect, the length of the absorbentinsert 80 between the connected portions of the end margins 82 whichremains unconnected to the outer cover 30 is less than the length of theouter cover 30 between the connected portions. In such a configuration,at least the crotch region 86 of the absorbent insert 80 maintains aspaced away relationship from the outer cover 30 when in use.

The absorbent insert 80 may be suitably connected to the outer cover 30to form the absorbent article 20 using any means known to those skilledin the art. For example, the absorbent insert 80 may be bonded to theouter cover 30 using adhesive, thermal or ultrasonic bonding techniquesknown to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the absorbent insert80 may be connected to the outer cover 80 using conventional fastenerssuch as buttons, hook and loop type fasteners, adhesive tape fasteners,and the like.

FIGS. 7 and 8 representatively illustrate an example of an absorbentinsert 80 according to the present invention which includes a bodysideliner 92, a backsheet 94 which is connected to the bodyside liner 92 ina superposed relation, and an absorbent core 96 which is located betweenthe bodyside liner 92 and the backsheet 94. In alternativeconfigurations wherein the outer cover 60 is at least partiallyresistant to the flow of liquids therethrough, the backsheet 94 mayoptionally be omitted from the absorbent insert 80.

The bodyside liner 92 of the absorbent insert 80, as representativelyillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, suitably presents a bodyfacing surfacewhich is intended to be worn adjacent the body of the wearer and iscompliant, soft feeling and nonirritating to the wearer's skin. Further,the bodyside liner 92 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent core96, to present a relatively dry surface to the wearer, and may besufficiently porous to be liquid permeable, permitting liquid to readilypenetrate through its thickness. A suitable bodyside liner 92 may bemanufactured from a wide selection of web materials, such as porousfoams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, natural fibers (forexample, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (for example,polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural andsynthetic fibers. The bodyside liner 92 is suitably employed to helpisolate the wearers skin from fluids held in the absorbent care 96 ofthe absorbent insert 80.

Various woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used for the bodyside liner92. For example, the bodyside liner may be composed of a meltblown orspunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The bodyside liner may also be abonded-carded web composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. Thebodyside liner may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material,and the hydrophobic material may, optionally, be treated with asurfactant or otherwise processed to impart a desired level ofwettability and hydrophilicity. In a particular embodiment of thepresent invention, the bodyside liner 92 comprises a nonwoven, spunbond,polypropylene fabric composed of about 2.8-3.2 denier fibers formed intoa web having a basis weight of about 22 grams per square meter and adensity of about 0.06 grams per cubic centimeter. The fabric is surfacetreated with about 0.28 weight percent of a surfactant commerciallyavailable from Rohm and Haas Co. under the trade designation TritonX-102.

The backsheet 94 of the absorbent insert 80, as representativelyillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, may suitably be composed of a materialwhich is either liquid permeable or liquid impermeable. It is generallypreferred that the backsheet 94 be formed from a material which issubstantially impermeable to fluids. For example, a typical backsheetcan be manufactured from a thin plastic film or other flexibleliquid-impermeable material. For example, the backsheet 94 may be formedfrom a polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012millimeter (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 millimeter (2.0 mils). The backsheet94 may also comprise a film layer having a nonwoven web laminated to theouter surface thereof, such as a spunbond web of polyolefin fibers. Thebacksheet 94 may also be constructed of a material which is similar tothe material comprising the outer cover, such as an STL material.Further, the backsheet 94 may be formed of a woven or nonwoven fibrousweb layer which has been totally or partially constructed or treated toimpart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selected regions thatare adjacent or proximate the absorbent core 96. Still further, thebacksheet 94 may optionally be composed of a micro-porous “breathable”material which permits vapors to escape from the absorbent core 96 whilestill preventing liquid exudates from passing through the backsheet 94.

The bodyside liner 92 and backsheet 94 are generally adhered to oneanother so as to form a pocket in which the absorbent core 96 is locatedto provide the absorbent insert 80. The bodyside liner 92 and backsheet94 may be adhered directly to each other around the outer periphery ofthe absorbent insert 80 by any means known to those skilled in the artsuch as adhesive bonds, sonic bonds or thermal bonds. For example, auniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, asprayed or meltblown pattern of adhesive or an array of lines, swirls orspots of adhesive may be used to affix the bodyside liner 92 to thebacksheet 94. It should be noted that both the bodyside liner 92 and thebacksheet 94 need not extend completely to the outer periphery of theabsorbent insert 80. For example, the backsheet 94 may extend to theouter periphery of the absorbent insert 80 while the bodyside liner 92may be attached to the backsheet 94 inboard of the outer periphery ofthe absorbent insert 80, or more towards the longitudinal centerline 26,of the absorbent article 20. In alternative configurations, especiallywherein the backsheet 94 is omitted, the bodyside liner 92 may besuitably adhered directly to the absorbent core 96.

The absorbent core 96, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8,is positioned between the bodyside liner 92 and the backsheet 94 to formthe absorbent insert 80. The absorbent core 96 is desirably conformableand capable of absorbing and retaining body exudates. The absorbent core96 may have any of a number of shapes and sizes. For example, thecomposite absorbent core may be rectangular, I-shaped or T-shaped. It isgenerally preferred that the absorbent core 96 be narrower in the crotchsection 86 of the absorbent insert 80. The size of the absorbent core 96should be compatible with the size of the intended wearer and thedesired absorbent capacity of the absorbent insert 80.

In a particular embodiment, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 7and 8, the absorbent core 96 of the absorbent insert 80 is desirably aplurality of absorbent strips 98 which extend along the longitudinallength 88 of the absorbent insert 80. The absorbent strips 98 aregenerally rectangular in shape and define a length, a width, a thicknessand a pair of opposite longitudinal side edges. The absorbent strips 98are configured to pivot about one of the longitudinal side edges whilethe opposite longitudinal side edge of the absorbent strips 98 remainsfree to move. The absorbent core 96 may include any number of absorbentstrips 98 which provides the desired containment of body exudates. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and 8, the absorbent core 96 mayinclude four longitudinally extending absorbent strips 98. Inalternative configurations, the absorbent core 96 may include from 1 toabout 10 absorbent strips 98. The arrangement of the absorbent strips 98provides channels between each strip to better distribute and containfluid exudates. Moreover, the arrangement of the strips 98 provides agreater surface area in contact with the body exudates to moreeffectively absorb and contain the exudates.

The absorbent strips 98 are also very conformable in the crotch section86 of the absorbent insert 80. As representatively illustrated in FIG.8, the absorbent strips 98 are arranged such that they may overlap eachother in a shingled arrangement when subjected to a lateral force suchas exerted by the legs of a wearer in use. Accordingly, the absorbentstrips 98 provide an absorbent core 96 which is readily adaptable tochange dimensions depending upon the position and movement of thewearer. For example, if the absorbent core 96 includes four absorbentstrips 98, each of which has a width of 2.0 centimeters, the effectivewidth of the absorbent core 96 may be from about 4.0 to about 8.0centimeters depending upon the amount of overlap of each strip 98 withthe adjacent strip. Thus, when compared to conventional solid,rectangular-shaped absorbent cores, the use of absorbent strips 98 suchas is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 provides an absorbent core 96 for anabsorbent article which has an improved fit especially in the crotchregion. Such improved fit may enhance the appearance of the absorbentarticle 20 and performance of the absorbent core 96.

The absorbent strips 98 may have any length and width which providessufficient absorptive capacity. Desirably, the absorbent strips 98extend along the entire length 88 of the absorbent insert 80 and have awidth of from about 1.3 to about 5.1 centimeters. Various configurationsfor the absorbent strips 98 are described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/476,742 of S. Gryskiewicz et al., entitled ABSORBENT ARTICLEINCLUDING LIQUID CONTAINMENT BEAMS AND LEAKAGE BARRIERS, and filed Jun.7, 1995; the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference ina manner that is consistent herewith.

The absorbent core 96 of the absorbent insert 80 may suitably comprisevarious types of wettable, hydrophilic fibrous materials. Examples ofsuitable materials include naturally occurring organic fibers composedof intrinsically wettable material, such as cellulosic fibers; syntheticfibers composed of cellulose or cellulose derivatives, such as rayonfibers; inorganic fibers composed of an inherently wettable material,such as glass fibers; synthetic fibers made from inherently wettablethermoplastic polymers, such as particular polyester and polyamidefibers; and synthetic fibers composed of a nonwettable thermoplasticpolymer, such as polypropylene fibers, which have been hydrophilized byappropriate means known to those skilled in the art. The absorbent core56 may also comprise selected blends of the various types of fibersmentioned above.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the absorbent core 96 mayinclude a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulosicfibers, mixed with particles of a high-absorbency material such as thatcommonly known as superabsorbent material. As used herein, the term“high-absorbency material” refers to materials that are capable ofabsorbing at least 10 times their own weight in liquid. In a particularembodiment, the absorbent core 96 comprises a mixture of superabsorbenthydrogel-forming particles and wood pulp fluff. The wood pulp fluff maybe exchanged with synthetic, polymeric, meltblown fibers or with acombination of meltblown fibers and natural fibers. The high-absorbencymaterial may be substantially homogeneously mixed with the hydrophilicfibers or may be nonuniformly mixed. The high-absorbency material mayalso be arranged in a generally discrete layer within the matrix ofhydrophilic fibers. Alternatively, the absorbent core 96 may comprise alaminate of fibrous webs and high-absorbency material or other suitablemeans of maintaining a high-absorbency material in a localized area.

The high-absorbency material can be selected from natural, synthetic andmodified natural polymers and materials. The high-absorbency materialscan be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds,such as crosslinked polymers. The term “crosslinked” refers to any meansfor effectively rendering normally water-soluble materials substantiallywater insoluble but swellable. Such means can include, for example,physical entanglement, crystalline domains, covalent bonds, ioniccomplexes and associations, hydrophilic associations such as hydrogenbonding, and hydrophobic associations or Van der Waals forces.

Examples of synthetic, polymeric, high-absorbency materials include thealkali metal and ammonium salts of poly(acrylic add) andpoly(methacrylic acid), poly(acrylamides), poly(vinyl ethers), maleicanhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins, poly(vinylpyrolidone), poly(vinyl morpholinone), poly(vinyl alcohol), and mixturesand copolymers thereof. Further polymers suitable for use in theabsorbent core include natural and modified natural polymers, such ashydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch,methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, andthe natural gums, such as alginates, xanthum gum, locust bean gum, andthe like. Mixtures of natural and wholly or partially syntheticabsorbent polymers can also be useful in the present invention.

The high-absorbency material may be in any of a wide variety ofgeometric forms. As a general rule, it is preferred that thehigh-absorbency material be in the form of discrete particles. However,the high-absorbency material may also be in the form of fibers, flakes,rods, spheres, needles, or the like. Conglomerates of particles ofhigh-absorbency material may also be used. An example of asuperabsorbent polymer suitable for use in the present invention is asuperabsorbent polymer designated IM5000 which is commercially availablefrom Hoechst-Celanese, a business having offices in Portsmouth, Va.Other suitable high-absorbency materials may include superabsorbentpolymers which are commercially available from Dow Chemical Corp., abusiness having offices in Midland, Mich.

As a general rule, the high-absorbency material is present in theabsorbent core % of the present invention in an amount of from about 5to about 95 weight percent and desirably from about 10 to about 60weight percent based on the total weight of the absorbent core 96. Thedistribution of the high-absorbency material within the differentportions of the absorbent core 96 can vary depending upon the intendedend use of the absorbent core 96.

As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the absorbent insert 80 ofthe disposable absorbent article 20 may include a pair of containmentflaps 110 which are configured to provide a barrier to the lateral flowof body exudates. The containment flaps 110 may be located along thelaterally opposed side margins 84 of the absorbent insert 80. Eachcontainment flap 110 defines an attached edge 112 and an unattached edge114. Each of the containment flaps 110 may also include at least oneelongated elastic member 116 which is adhered to the unattached edge 114of the containment flap 110 and configured to gather the unattached edge114 and form a seal against the body of the wearer when in use. Thecontainment flaps 110 may extend longitudinally along the entire length88 of the absorbent insert 110 or may only extend partially along thelength of the absorbent insert 80. When the containment flaps 110 areshorter in length than the absorbent insert 80, the containment flaps110 can be selectively positioned anywhere along the side margins 84 ofthe absorbent insert 80. In a particular aspect of the invention, thecontainment flaps 110 extend along the entire length 88 of the absorbentinsert 80 to better contain the body exudates.

The containment flaps 110 can be made from any material which providesthe desired barrier against the flow of body exudates. For example, thecontainment flaps 110 may be constructed of a material which is similarto the material comprising the outer cover 30. Other conventionalmaterials, such as polymer films, may also be employed. In a particularaspect, the containment flaps 110 may be constructed of a STL materialhaving a basis weight of about 73 grams per square meter and comprisinga meltblown layer of meltblown polypropylene fibers between two spunbondlayers of polypropylene fibers.

Each containment flap 110 is attached to the side margins 84 of theabsorbent insert 80 such that the containment flaps 110 provide abarrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. The attached edge 112 ofeach of the containment flaps 110 is attached to the side margins 84 ofthe absorbent insert 80 while the unattached edge 114 remains unattachedfrom the absorbent insert 80 in at least the crotch section 86 of theabsorbent insert 80. The attached edge 112 of the containment flaps 110may be attached to the absorbent insert 80 in any of several ways whichare well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the attachededge 112 of the flaps 110 may be ultrasonically bonded, thermally bondedor adhesively bonded to the outer cover 30. In a particular aspect, theunattached edge 114 of each of the containment flaps 110 remainsunattached from the side margins 84 of the absorbent insert 80 alongsubstantially the entire length of the unattached edge 114 to provideimproved performance. Alternatively, the containment flaps 110 may beintegral with the backsheet 94 of the absorbent insert 80.

Each containment flap 110 is also configured such that the unattachededge 114 of the containment flap 110 tends to position itself in aspaced relation away from the absorbent insert 80 toward a generallyupright and perpendicular configuration, especially in the crotchsection 86 when in use. As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 7 and8, the unattached edge 114 of each containment flap 110 is desirablyspaced away from the absorbent insert 80 when in use thereby providing abarrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. Desirably, the unattachededge 114 of each containment flap 110 maintains a contactingrelationship with the body of the wearer while the absorbent insert 80may be spaced away from the body of the wearer when in use. Typically,an elastic member 116 is attached to the unattached edge 114 of eachcontainment flap 110 to maintain the spaced away relationship betweenthe unattached edge 114 and the absorbent insert 80. For example, theelastic member 116 may be attached to the unattached edge 114 in anelastically contractible condition such that the contraction of theelastic member 116 gathers or contracts and shortens the unattached edge114 of the containment flap 110.

Materials suitable for use as the elastic member 116 of the containmentflaps 110 include those described above as being suitable for use as theelastic member 66 in the concealment cuffs 60. In a particular aspect ofthe invention, the elastic members 116 may be composed of a plurality ofindividual strands of 620 decitex Lycra® which are commerciallyavailable from E.I. DuPont de Nemours Co. The containment flaps 110 mayinclude from about 1 to about 10 elastic strands along the unattachededge 114. The elastic members 116 may be elongated prior to beingattached to the unattached edge 114 of the containment flaps 110. Forexample, the elastic members 116 may be elongated at least about 75percent and desirably from about 100 to about 150 percent before beingattached such that the elastic members 116 gather the unattached edge114 of the containment flaps 110. Desirably, the elastic members 116 areconfigured to gather and maintain the unattached edge 114 in acontacting relationship with the wearer's body when in use toeffectively provide a seal against the lateral flow of body exudates.

Alternative constructions and arrangements for containment flaps 110 aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,704,116 issued Nov. 3, 1987, to K. Enloethe disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in a mannerthat is consistent herewith.

The absorbent article 20 of the different aspects of the presentinvention may further include a distribution or surge layer which isconfigured to quickly collect, temporarily hold, and subsequentlydistribute liquid surges. For example, as representatively illustratedin FIGS. 7 and 8, the absorbent article 20 may include a surge layer 106which can help prevent liquid exudates from pooling and collecting onthe absorbent insert 80 thereby improving the overall uptake rate of theabsorbent article 20. The surge layer 106 is positioned in the absorbentarticle 20 to be in liquid communication with the absorbent core 96 ofthe absorbent insert 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the surge layer106 is located on the bodyside liner 92 of the absorbent insert 80 andis configured to be in contact with the wearer's body. Alternatively,the surge layer may be located between the bodyside liner 92 and theabsorbent core 96 of the absorbent insert 80. The shown configuration ofthe surge layer 106 is operably connected to the bodyside liner 92 ofthe absorbent insert 80 with a conventional pattern of adhesive. Theamount of adhesive should be sufficient to provide the desired level ofbonding but should be low enough to avoid excessively restricting themovement of liquids between the layers.

Various woven and nonwoven fabrics can be used to construct the surgelayer 106. For example, the surge layer 106 may be composed of ameltblown or spunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The surge layer 106may also be a bonded carded web or an airaid web composed of natural andsynthetic fibers. In desired configurations of the invention, the surgelayer 106 can include natural fibers, synthetic fibers, such assynthetic polymer fibers, and combinations thereof. The surge layer 106can, for example, be composed of polyolefin fibers, and in particularconfigurations the fibers can include bicomponent fibers. For example,polypropylene/polyethylene bicomponent fibers may be employed in thesurge layer 106.

The surge layer 106 can be of any desired shape consistent with theabsorbency requirements of the absorbent insert 80. Suitable shapesinclude, for example, circular, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal,oblong, dog-boned, hourglass-shaped, or oval. In a particularembodiment, the surge layer 106 is rectangular shaped. The surge layer106 may extend over the complete length 88 of the absorbent insert 80 ormay extend over only a portion of the length 88 of the absorbent insert80. Desirably, the surge layer 106 is approximately cantered about thelongitudinal centerline of the absorbent insert 80 and positioned in atleast the crotch section 86 of the absorbent insert 80.

Additional details regarding materials useful for the surge layer 106and suitable techniques for incorporating the surge layer 106 inabsorbent articles are set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No.206,986 of C. Ellis and D. Bishop, entitled, FIBROUS NONWOVEN WEB SURGELAYER FOR PERSONAL CARE ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND THE LIKE, and filed Mar.4, 1994; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 206,069 of C. Ellis and R.Everett, entitled, IMPROVED SURGE MANAGEMENT FIBROUS NONWOVEN WEB FORPERSONAL CARE ABSORBENT ARTICLES AND THE LIKE, and filed Mar. 4, 1994;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 310,186 of F. Chen et al., entitled,WET RESILIENT PAPER SHEETS, and filed Sep. 21, 1994; the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in a manner that isconsistent herewith.

The absorbent article of the different aspects of the present inventionfurther includes a fastening means for securing the absorbent articleabout the waist of the wearer. The fastening means are typically appliedto the outermost corners of the side portions 22 and 24 of the absorbentarticle 20 to provide a means for holding the article 20 on the wearer.Typically, the fastening means are located on the outer cover 30 of theabsorbent article 20 and configured to be refastenable. The use offasteners which are refastenable or releasably engageable allows forease of securing and removing the article from the waist of the wearer.As representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the disposable absorbentarticle 20 of the present invention may include a first fastener 70which is releasably engageable with a second fastener 72. For example, afirst fastener 70 may be located along the side edge of one of the waistregions 38 of each of the side panels 44 and 46 of the outer cover 30and a second fastener 72 may be located along the side edge of theopposite waist region 40 of each side panel 44 and 46 of the outercover. In such a configuration, the first fastener 70 and secondfastener 72 on each side panel 44 and 46 are releasably engageabletogether along a side seam to maintain the article 20 on the wearer.When the fasteners 70 and 72 are releasably engaged together, the sideregions 34 and 36 of the outer cover 30 encircle the legs of the wearerthereby defining the leg openings 54 and 56, respectively.

Desirably, the design of the outer cover 30 is such that the absorbentarticle may be reversible about the wearer. For example, each side panel44 and 46 may be substantially symmetrical and substantially identicalto each other. Accordingly, the fasteners 70 and 72 may be located moreon the front of the wearer or on the back of the wearer depending uponthe users preference. By attaching the absorbent article about thewearer such that the fasteners are located more near the back of thewearer, the wearer is less apt to be able to disengage the fasteners 70and 72 in use. Such a configuration is particularly desirable when theabsorbent article 20 is intended to be worn by an infant.

Suitable fastening means are well known to those skilled in the art andcan include tape tab fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, mushroomfasteners, snaps, pins, belts and the like, and combinations thereof.For example, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the firstfastener 70 may be a hook type fastener and the second fastener 72 maybe a loop type fastener. Typically, the fasteners 70 and 72 are separateelements which are attached to the absorbent article 20. Alternatively,the fasteners 70 and 72 may be integral with other components of theabsorbent article. For example, when the first fastener 70 is a hooktype fastener, the second fastener 72 may be the outer cover 30 or aseparate loop element attached to the outer cover 30. Desirably, thefirst fastener 70 is a hook type fastener which is releasably engageablewith the outer cover 30. Such an arrangement provides the ability tovary the size of the waist opening in very small increments over a widerange to fit the waist of the wearer.

The fasteners 70 and 72 may have any shape and size which provides thedesired fastening of the absorbent article 20 about the waist of thewearer. For example, FIGS. 1-6 and 9-12 representatively illustratealternative configurations for the fasteners 70 and 72. Desirably, thefasteners 70 and 72 engage along a length, as measured parallel to thelongitudinal centerline 26 of the article 20, which is at least about5.1 centimeters and desirably at least about 10.2 centimeters tomaintain the absorbent article about the waist of the wearer and ensurethat the side panels 44 and 46 of the outer cover 30 remain in thedesired position.

The disposable absorbent article of the different aspects of the presentinvention may further include elastics at the waist opening 58 and legopenings 54 and 56 to further prevent the leakage of body exudates. Forexample, as representatively illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, the absorbentarticle 20 of the present invention may include a pair of waist elasticmembers 120 and 122 which are connected to the outer cover 30 andconfigured to gather and contract the waist regions 38 and 40 of theouter cover 30. As illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, the disposable absorbentarticle 20 may further include a pair of leg elastics 124 and 126 whichare connected to the laterally opposed side regions 34 and 36 in thecrotch region 42 of the outer cover 30. The waist elastics 120 and 122and leg elastics 124 and 126 are generally adapted to fit about thewaist and legs of a wearer, respectively, in use to maintain a positive,contacting relationship with the wearer to effectively reduce oreliminate the leakage of body exudates from the absorbent article 20. Ina particular aspect, the outer cover 30 of the absorbent article 20 doesnot include leg elastics 124 and 126 such that the outer cover maintainsa more garment-like appearance.

Materials suitable for use as the leg elastics 124 and 126 and the waistelastics 120 and 122 are well known to those skilled in the artExemplary of such materials are sheets or strands or ribbons of apolymeric, elastomeric material which are adhered to the outer cover 30in a stretched position, or which are attached to the outer cover 30while the outer cover is pleated, such that elastic constrictive forcesare imparted to the outer cover 30. The leg and waist elastics may alsoinclude such materials as polyurethane, synthetic and natural rubber. Ina particular aspect of the invention, the elastics may be composed ofindividual strands of 620 decitex Lycra® which are commerciallyavailable from E.I. DuPont de Nemours Co. When individual strands ofelastic are used, the waist and leg elastics may include any suitablenumber of elastic strands to provide containment of the body exudates.For example, the waist elastics 120 and 122 and leg elastics 124 and 126may include from about 1 to about 10 elastic strands. The waist and legelastics may be elongated prior to being attached to the outer cover 30.For example, the waist and leg elastics may be elongated at least about150 percent and desirably from about 200 to about 500 percent beforebeing attached such that the elastics gather the outer cover 30 whenrelaxed. The waist elastics 120 and 122 and leg elastics 124 and 126 maybe joined to the outer cover 30 by any means known to those skilled inthe art 38. For example, adhesive, thermal or ultrasonic bondingtechniques may be used to join the elastics to the outer cover. Asuitable adhesive includes Findley H-2096 hot melt adhesive which iscommercially available from Findley Adhesives, Inc.

The different aspects of the present invention can advantageouslyprovide a disposable absorbent article which has a garment-likeappearance. As a result, the disposable absorbent article of the presentinvention effectively contains body exudates while maintaining anoptimum fit and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Moreover, thecrotch region of the disposable absorbent article of the presentinvention does not bunch up as conventional absorbent articles have. Asa result, the absorbent article may have a reduced level of leakage fromthe crotch region.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect tospecific aspects thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled inthe art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readilyconceive of alterations to, variations of and equivalents to theseaspects. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should beassessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.

I claim:
 1. An outer cover which is adapted for use in a disposableabsorbent article, said outer cover comprising two individual sidepanels which are connected together along an edge of each side panel toprovide a seam which extends along a longitudinal centerline of saidouter cover wherein each of said side panels defines a pair of opposedwaist regions which are releasably engageable together to define a legopening in said outer cover.
 2. The outer cover of claim 1 wherein saidseam extends substantially an entire length of said outer cover.
 3. Theouter cover of claim 1 wherein said seam is substantially continuous. 4.The outer cover of claim 1 wherein said side panels overlap along saidseam to provide a seam width of at least about 0.64 centimeters.
 5. Theouter cover of claim 1 wherein said outer cover defines a crotch lengthwhich is at least about 15 percent of a length of said outer cover. 6.The outer cover of claim 1 wherein said outer cover defines a crotchlength of at least about 8 centimeters.
 7. The outer cover of claim 1wherein said side panels are made from a nonwoven material.
 8. The outercover of claim 7 wherein said nonwoven material is stretchable.
 9. Theouter cover of claim 1 wherein each of said side panels defines asubstantially identical pattern.
 10. The outer cover of claim 1 whereineach of said side panels of said outer cover further comprises a firstfastener which is located on one of said waist regions and a secondfastener which is located on said opposite waist region and wherein saidfirst fastener and said second fastener on each of said side panels arereleasably engageable together.
 11. The outer cover of claim 10, whereinsaid first fastener and said second fastener are complimentary hook andloop type fasteners.
 12. The outer cover of claim 1 wherein said outercover defines a pair of laterally opposed side regions and wherein saidouter cover further comprises a pair of concealment cuffs which arelocated along said side regions.
 13. The outer cover of claim 12 whereineach concealment cuff defines a fixed edge which is connected to saidside region of said outer cover and a free edge which remainsunconnected to said side region of said outer cover in at least a crotchregion of said outer cover.
 14. The outer cover of claim 13 wherein saidfree edge of each of said concealment cuffs includes at least oneelastic member which is configured to maintain said free edge in aspaced away relationship from said side region of said outer cover in atleast said crotch region.
 15. The outer cover of claim 14 wherein saidelastic member is connected to said free edge of said concealment cuffat an elongation of no more than about 150 percent.
 16. The outer coverof claim 14, wherein said elastic member exerts a tension of no morethan about 150 grams on said free edge of said concealment cuff whensaid free edge is fully extended.
 17. A disposable absorbent articlewhich defines a first side portion, a second side portion, and alongitudinal centerline between said side portions, said absorbentarticle comprising: a) an outer cover which defines a length, a pair oflaterally opposed side regions, a pair of longitudinally opposed waistregions, and a crotch region which extends between and connects saidwaist regions, said outer cover comprising a first side panel which islocated in said first side portion of said absorbent article and asecond side panel which is located in said second side portion of saidabsorbent article wherein an edge of said first side panel is connectedto an edge of said second side panel to provide a seam which extendsalong said longitudinal centerline between said side portions of saidabsorbent article; and b) an absorbent insert which is connected to saidouter cover.
 18. The absorbent article of claim 17 wherein said oppositewaist regions are releasably engageable together to define a pair of legopenings in said outer cover.
 19. The absorbent article of claim 17wherein said outer cover further comprises a first fastener which islocated on one of said waist regions and a second fastener which islocated on said opposite waist region and wherein said first fastenerand said second fastener are releasably engageable together.
 20. Theabsorbent article of claim 19 wherein said first fastener and saidsecond fastener are complimentary hook and loop type fasteners.
 21. Theabsorbent article of claim 17 wherein said seam extends alongsubstantially said entire length of said outer cover.
 22. The absorbentarticle of claim 17 wherein said seam is substantially continuous. 23.The absorbent article of claim 17 wherein said edges of said side panelsoverlap along said seam to provide a seam width of at least about 0.64centimeters.
 24. The absorbent article of claim 17 wherein said outercover defines a crotch length in said crotch region which is at leastabout 15 percent of said length of said outer cover.
 25. The absorbentarticle of claim 17 wherein said outer cover defines a crotch length insaid crotch region which is at least about 8 centimeters.
 26. Theabsorbent article of claim 17 wherein said outer cover is made from anonwoven material.
 27. The absorbent article of claim 17 wherein saidfirst side panel and said second side panel define a substantiallyidentical pattern.
 28. The absorbent article of claim 17 and furthercomprising a pair of concealment cuffs which are located along said sideregions of said outer cover, wherein each concealment cuff defines afixed edge which is connected to said outer cover and a free edge whichremains unconnected to said outer cover in at least said crotch regionof said outer cover.
 29. The absorbent article of claim 28 wherein saidfree edge of each of said concealment cuffs includes at least oneelastic member which is configured to maintain said free edge in aspaced away relationship from said outer cover in at least said crotchregion of said outer cover.
 30. The absorbent article of claim 29wherein said elastic member is connected to said free edge of saidconcealment cuff at an elongation of no more than about 150 percent. 31.The absorbent article of claim 29 wherein said elastic member exerts atension of no more than about 150 grams on said free edge of saidconcealment cuff when said free edge is fully extended.
 32. A disposableabsorbent article which defines a first side portion, a second sideportion, and a longitudinal centerline between said side portions, saidabsorbent article comprising: a) an outer cover which includes twoindividual side panels which are connected together to provide a seamwhich extends along said longitudinal centerline of said absorbentarticle, and b) an absorbent insert which is connected to said outercover and which defines a pair of longitudinally opposed end margins anda pair of laterally opposed side margins, and includes a bodyside liner,a backsheet which is connected to said bodyside liner in a superposedrelation, and an absorbent core which is located between said bodysideliner and said backsheet.
 33. The absorbent article of claim 32 whereineach of said side panels of said outer cover defines a pair of opposedwaist regions which are releasably engageable together to define a legopening in said outer cover.
 34. The absorbent article of claim 32wherein said end margins of said absorbent insert are connected to saidouter cover and wherein said absorbent insert remains unconnected fromsaid outer cover between said end margins.
 35. The absorbent article ofclaim 34 wherein each of said end margins of said absorbent Insert areconnected to said outer cover along a length of no more than about 5.1centimeters.
 36. The absorbent article of claim 32 wherein saidabsorbent core includes at least two independent, longitudinallyextending absorbent strips.
 37. The absorbent article of claim 32wherein said absorbent article further comprises a pair oflongitudinally extending containment flaps which are located on saidside margins of said absorbent insert.
 38. The absorbent article ofclaim 37 wherein each of said containment flaps defines an attached edgewhich is at least partially attached to said absorbent insert and anunattached edge which remains unattached to said absorbent insert in atleast a crotch section of said absorbent insert.
 39. The absorbentarticle of claim 38 wherein said unattached edge of each of saidcontainment flaps includes at feast one elastic member which isconfigured to maintain said unattached edge in a spaced awayrelationship from said absorbent insert in at least said crotch section.40. The absorbent article of claim 37 wherein each of said containmentflaps extends along substantially an entire length of said absorbentinsert.
 41. A disposable absorbent article which defines a first sideportion, a second side portion, and a longitudinal centerline betweensaid side portions, said absorbent article comprising: a) an outer coverwhich defines a length, a pair of laterally opposed side regions, a pairof longitudinally opposed waist regions, and a crotch region whichextends between and connects said waist regions, said outer covercomprising a first side panel which is located in said first sideportion of said absorbent article and a second side panel which islocated in said second side portion of said absorbent article wherein anedge of said first side panel is connected to an edge of said secondside panel to provide a seam which extends along said longitudinalcenterline between said side portions of said absorbent article; and b)a pair of concealment cuffs which are located along said side regions ofsaid outer cover and which define a fixed edge which is connected tosaid outer cover and a free edge which remains unconnected to said outercover in at least said crotch region of said outer cover; c) anabsorbent insert which is connected to said outer cover and whichdefines a pair of longitudinally opposed end margins, a pair oflaterally opposed side margins, and a crotch section; and d) a pair oflongitudinally extending containment flaps which are located along saidside margins of said absorbent insert.
 42. The absorbent article ofclaim 41 wherein said end margins of said absorbent insert are connectedto said outer cover and wherein said absorbent insert remainsunconnected from said outer cover between said end margins.
 43. Theabsorbent article of claim 41 wherein said absorbent article furthercomprises a waist elastic member located on at least one of said waistregions of said outer cover.
 44. The absorbent article of claim 41wherein said absorbent article further comprises a pair of leg elasticswhich are located on said side regions of said outer cover in at leastsaid crotch region of said outer cover.
 45. A disposable absorbentarticle which defines a first side portion, a second side portion, and alongitudinal centerline between said side portions, said absorbentarticle comprising: a) an outer cover which includes two individual sidepanels which are connected together to provide a seam which extendsalong said longitudinal centerline of said absorbent article whereineach of said side panels of said outer cover further comprises a firstfastener which is located on a first waist region of said side panel anda second fastener which is located on an opposite waist region of saidside panel which are releasably engageable together, and b) an absorbentinsert which is connected to said outer cover and which defines a pairof longitudinally opposed end margins and a pair of laterally opposedside margins wherein said end margins of said absorbent insert areconnected to said outer cover and wherein said absorbent insert remainsunconnected from said outer cover between said end margins.
 46. Theabsorbent article of claim 45 wherein said absorbent insert includes abodyside liner, a backsheet which is connected to said bodyside liner ina superposed relation, and an absorbent core which is located betweensaid bodyside liner and said backsheet.
 47. The absorbent article ofclaim 45 wherein each of said end margins of said absorbent insert areconnected to said outer cover along a length of no more than about 5.1centimeters.
 48. The absorbent article of claim 46 wherein saidabsorbent core includes at least two independent, longitudinallyextending absorbent strips.
 49. The absorbent article of claim 45wherein said absorbent article further comprises a pair oflongitudinally extending containment flaps which are located on saidside margins of said absorbent insert.
 50. The absorbent article ofclaim 49 wherein each of said containment flaps extends alongsubstantially an entire length of said absorbent insert.
 51. Adisposable absorbent article which defines a first side portion, asecond side portion, and a longitudinal centerline between said sideportions, said absorbent article comprising: a) an outer cover whichdefines a length, a pair of laterally opposed side regions, a pair oflongitudinally opposed waist regions, and a crotch region which extendsbetween and connects said waist regions, said outer cover comprising afirst side panel which is located In said first side portion of saidabsorbent article and a second side panel which is located in saidsecond side portion of said absorbent article wherein an edge of saidfirst side panel is connected to an edge of said second side panel toprovide a seam which extends along said longitudinal centerline betweensaid side portions of said absorbent article wherein said outer coverfurther comprises a first fastener which is located on one of said waistregions and a second fastener which is located on said opposite waistregion which are releasably engageable together; b) a pair ofconcealment cuffs which are located along said side regions of saidouter cover and which define a fixed edge which is connected to saidouter cover and a free edge which remains unconnected to said outercover in at least said crotch region of said outer cover; c) anabsorbent insert which is connected to said outer cover and whichdefines a pair of longitudinally opposed end margins, a pair oflaterally opposed side margins, and a crotch section wherein said endmargins of said absorbent insert are connected to said outer cover andwherein said absorbent insert remains unconnected from said outer coverbetween said end margins; and d) a pair of longitudinally extendingcontainment flaps which are located along said side margins of saidabsorbent insert.
 52. The absorbent article of claim 51 wherein each ofsaid end margins of said absorbent insert are connected to said outercover along a length of no more than about 5.1 centimeters.
 53. Theabsorbent article of claim 51 wherein said absorbent article furthercomprises a waist elastic member located on at least one of said waistregions of said outer cover.
 54. The absorbent article of claim 51wherein said absorbent article further comprises a pair of leg elasticswhich are located on said side regions of said outer cover in at leastsaid crotch region of said outer cover.